Our 3-Step Escape Plan

  • First Escape Route
  • Second Escape Route
  • Meeting Place
Notes

Use this space to note any additional information about your escape plan, i.e. who will assist

Your checklist

  • Get low

    Smoke is poisonous and more deadly than flames.

    If you breathe smoke for more than a few breaths it can kill you.

  • Be fast

    A house fire can kill you in less than three minutes.

    Don't spend time trying to save possessions.

  • Close doors

    A closed door buys you time.

    It slows down the spread of fire, giving you more time to get to safety.

  • Get out - stay out!

    People have died by going back into a fire.

    Don't leave the meeting place to go back inside for any reason.

Call emergency services as soon as you are out and safe. Ask for FIRE.

Clearly state your address and let the operator know it anyone is still inside or has not made it to the safe meeting place.

Emergency call 111 Emergency text 111
Fire & Emergency New Zealand

Otago Heavy Rainfall Update #1

Otago Heavy Rainfall Update #1

4 October 2024

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is continuing to respond to flood-related calls in and around Dunedin, with coastal Otago remaining under a red warning for continued heavy rain today.

Assistant Commander Nic McQuillan said that firefighters attended 34 calls between 6pm and 7.15am, including helping Police evacuate houses near a landslide in the suburb of St Leonards.

An Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team has been mobilised from Christchurch, including a specialist drone team and a geotechnical engineer.

Nic McQuillan says ‘our USAR team will provide support at the site of the slip in St Leonards and other locations as required.’

Fire and Emergency’s Region Coordination Centre was re-activated in the early hours of this morning, and we are liaising closely with Civil Defence in Dunedin.

‘We know this has been an extreme weather night for Otago and we thank the community for their support. We ask for patience as we continue to respond to calls today.

Anyone who feels their life, safety or property is threatened should always call 111.’

We have crews ready to respond immediately, and extra resources available if we need them, including firefighters trained and equipped for swift water rescue.

Residents are encouraged to self-evacuate to higher ground if they notice rising water or feel unsafe in their homes.

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